$Unique_ID{BRK01808}
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$Title{ACEBUTOLOL}
$Subject{Sectral (Wyeth-Ayerst)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ACEBUTOLOL
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Sectral (Wyeth-Ayerst)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Beta-adrenergic blocking agent
INGREDIENT:
     acebutolol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (200 mg and 400 mg)
STORAGE:
     Acebutolol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

Acebutolol is used to treat high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
Acebutolol belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-adrenergic blocking
agents or, more commonly, beta blockers.  These drugs work by controlling
impulses along certain nerve pathways.

TREATMENT

Acebutolol can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk (as
directed by your doctor).  In order to become accustomed to taking this
medication, try to take it at the same time(s) each day.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the next dose of the medication.
     It is important to remember that acebutolol does not cure high blood
pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to
take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

Abdominal pain, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes, fatigue,
gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, runny nose, sleeping problems, or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication.
     If you are extra-sensitive to the cold, be sure to dress warmly during
cold weather.
     Plain, nonmedicated eye drops (artificial tears) may help to relieve eye
dryness.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (bran,
fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and whole-grain breads) unless your
doctor directs you to do otherwise.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain; cold fingers or feet (due to decreased blood circulation to skin,
fingers, and toes); confusion; cough; depression; fluid accumulation; hair
loss; impotence; itching; muscle, joint, or back pain; numbness; rash;
shortness of breath; sore throat; swelling of the feet; unusual bleeding or
bruising; urination problems; visual disturbances or eye pain; or wheezing.

INTERACTIONS

Acebutolol may interact with other types of medications:
     1. Indomethacin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, aspirin, or
other salicylates may decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta
blockers.
     2. Concurrent use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers
(diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil) or disopyramide can lead to heart
failure or very low blood pressure.
     3. Side effects may also be increased if beta blockers are taken with
digoxin, epinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenothiazine
tranquilizers, reserpine, clonidine, prazosin, or monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitors.  At least 14 days should separate the use of a beta blocker and
the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     4. Beta blockers may antagonize (work against) the effects of
theophylline, aminophylline, albuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, and
terbutaline.
     5. Beta blockers can also interact with insulin or oral anti-diabetic
agents--raising or lowering blood sugar levels or masking the symptoms of low
blood sugar.
     6. The action of beta blockers may be increased if they are used with
chlorpromazine, cimetidine, furosemide, hydralazine, or oral contraceptives
(birth control pills), which could have a negative effect.
     7. Alcohol, barbiturates, and rifampin can decrease blood concentrations
of this drug, which can result in a decrease of effectiveness.
     Before starting acebutolol, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are already taking, especially any of the medications listed
above.

WARNINGS

Before starting this medication, it is important to tell your doctor about any
unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to
acebutolol or any other beta blocker (atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol,
labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma,
bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, heart block, heart failure, kidney disease,
liver disease, peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the fingers or
toes), severe bradycardia (slowed heart rate), or thyroid disease.
     * You may want to check your pulse while taking this medication.  If your
pulse is much slower than your usual rate (or if it is less than 50 beats per
minute), check with your doctor.  A pulse rate that is too slow may cause
circulation problems.
     * This medicine may affect your body's response to exercise.  Ask your
doctor what an appropriate amount of exercise would be for you, taking into
account your medical condition.
     * It is important that you do not stop taking this medicine without first
checking with your doctor.  Some conditions may become worse when the medicine
is stopped suddenly, and the danger of a heart attack is increased in some
patients.  Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of medicine
you take before stopping completely.  Make sure that you have enough medicine
on hand to last through vacations, holidays, and weekends.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell
your physician or dentist that you are taking this medicine.  Often, this
medication will be discontinued 48 hours prior to any major surgery.
     * While taking this medicine, do not use any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) allergy, asthma, cough, cold, sinus, or diet preparation
without first checking with your pharmacist or doctor.  The combination of
these medicines with a beta blocker can result in high blood pressure.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although acebutolol
appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of acebutolol may pass into human breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
